Aquila Et Noctua

by P J Mann

  She relaxed her expression and shook her head. “He is a boy, not a god. He is wise, but nothing more than a boy, and soon he will be your slave among the others. You will have to learn to rule over each of them with rightness and justice. You have a long way until you become a man, but maybe understanding your immaturity was the first step. From this point, you have to build your way up to manhood, and everything will be granted to you. If you want respect, you have to give it in the first place.”

  He lowered his gaze and nodded; “Mother, I need time to think on this, away from this house, somewhere I can concentrate and think clearly.”

  “We can arrange for you to stay at your uncle’s place. I will talk to your father about it. Meanwhile, you don’t have to spend time with your father or Saul. This house is large enough to be on your own.”

  “Maybe this house, but I go to school with Saul. I guess the best option is staying with my uncle, as you proposed. Thank you and forgive me if I have behaved stupidly,” he said.

  “That’s all right, darling. I understand. Now try to rest. Things will be better tomorrow.” She released his hand, then kissed his forehead and left the room.

  She was right in many respects, Flavius thought.

  Saul lay on his bed, looking at the sky, and thinking about almost everything. It seemed he was constantly in the wrong place at the wrong time. Regardless of the fact that Flavius insisted that it was not his fault; the way he hit him told a different story. Perhaps it was for a totally different reason. Saul was sure Flavius didn’t tell him exactly what compelled him to punch him violently, or the reason for his crying. Maybe he was tired. Pondering the true case, he fell asleep.

  He opened his eyes in the morning, slightly later than usual, as Rufus didn’t come to wake him. He felt relaxed and in a better mood. A bright sunlight beaming from the window in a perfect blue sky invited him to stand up from the bed. His rumbling stomach forced him to direct himself to reach the kitchen for breakfast.

  “Good morning,” greeted Cassandra. “Our Masters left the house early to visit Master Marcus Tiberius’ brother. I guess they will be back this evening or maybe tomorrow morning,”

  “Oh…I didn’t know they were going anywhere,” he replied, surprised that none of them had told him about this trip.

  “It was a hasty decision. I suppose they decided this morning because none of us knew about it either.”

  That sounded strange to Saul, but he felt glad about it too.

  He hoped that by the time his Masters returned, his mind would be clearer, and everything would be back to normal, even if he weren’t sure he knew what normal meant anymore.

  On that day, he helped the other slaves with their errands and on their way back, they went once more to the Thermae. As he returned home, he didn’t even question whether his Masters were back and walked toward the garden, where he studied in solitude. In his soul, everything was as it always had been.

  The morning after, as usual, Rufus awakened him.

  “Wake up, Saul. Time to go to school. Master Flavius won’t come today. He went to visit his uncle, but before you go, Master Marcus Tiberius would like to talk to you, so hurry up.”

  Saul got out of bed and tried to understand what Rufus had said.

  “How come Master Flavius is not here? I mean, why?” he asked, entering the kitchen.

  “Perhaps this is the reason Master Marcus Tiberius wants to speak to you,” Rufus replied.

  Saul gave Rufus a perplexed glance, trying to figure out whether Flavius went away because of Claudia or because of him. He remembered how scared and confused he looked at the ceremony and how defeated and bitter, jealous, and betrayed he looked after it.

  After he ate, he went to Marcus Tiberius’ room. “You asked to see me, Master?”

  Marcus Tiberius raised his eyes from the papers in front of him. “Yes, Saul. Rufus has probably already told you that Flavius will be away, as he is going to live for about a month with his uncle. You are still my slave, and that is not going to change over the next six years; therefore, you will continue to go to school and, in the afternoon, you will serve me.”

  Saul, not sure what to say, lowered his gaze. “Yes, Master.”

  After a contemplative silence, Marcus Tiberius beckoned. “Come closer,” he ordered. When they were near each other, Marcus Tiberius raised Saul’s head with his finger under his chin and looked into his eyes.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “Master, it seems like, willing or not, I am always involved in a situation that disappoints you or your son, and I am truly sorry about it.”

  “Nothing and everything has been because of you, but the fact Flavius felt betrayed by me would have happened even if you hadn’t been in this household. I think he took the jealousy he feels toward you as an excuse; he had to cover his immaturity behind a more feasible reason. He is going to grow up, but he needs me to be firm with him.

  “You see, Saul, my fault has been I never taught him that, in life, he won’t have things handed to him as he has so far. When he realized at the engagement ceremony that life wouldn’t always go his way, his world collapsed. He felt the weight of being a man, and his childhood fading away. I should have better prepared him.” Marcus Tiberius paused. “The first time I saw you, I felt mercy for you and carried you home in my arms. When I did so, I felt good. When I saw you cleaned up, I was stunned by your beauty and still I am. I was amazed by your honesty and loyalty toward my family and me. During those years, I was impressed by the progress in your education as you have become an indispensable tool in my work. Your advice made you important in my everyday life, but I should have made it clear that Flavius is still the dearest one to me, despite what I think about you.

  “This makes me the main person responsible; you are only brought into the middle and have no responsibility,” he said, brushing Saul’s cheek.

  Saul turned his gaze down. His Master’s words flattered him; he felt a flush warm his skin where his Marcus Tiberius had touched him. “Thank you, Master. You are probably right.”

  The power exuding from Marcus Tiberius intrigued him. He wanted to be protected by him, be at his side, ruled by his justice and strength. He wanted to feel his gaze upon him. He felt almost sad as his Master dismissed him, but he had to attend his lectures.

  It felt odd to walk into the teacher’s home by himself; he wondered if Flavius were missing that too, and what he pondered about his life.

  He arrived and sat at a table, not even noticing who was there until a voice said, “So, you feel that you are so far above everybody that you can’t even greet us?”

  “I’m sorry, Caius. I have been so immersed in my thoughts that I barely noticed I arrived. Good morning.”

  Caius sat at his table, avoiding replying to him, and soon the room was still.

  “Where is your Master?” Caius asked, breaking the grave silence in the room.

  Saul turned to look at him, feeling grateful, for his consideration started to haunt his mind. “I have been told that he will spend some time with his uncle. You know he met his future bride two days ago at his engagement party. Are you also engaged, Caius?”

  Caius shook his head. “I am not yet engaged, but I heard my parents talking about it, so I am waiting for my doomsday. Who is the lucky bride?”

  “She is Claudia, Lucius Claudius Blasio’s daughter. Do you know her?”

  “For all the gods, thanks for giving her to Flavius and not to me.”

  “She is a beautiful woman. Why do you say that?”

  Caius looked at him and smirked teasingly as if he was making fun of what he was saying.

  “My dear Saul, she is indeed very beautiful, but she is also full of herself. Nothing and nobody is more important than her,” Caius said, chuckling.

  “Well, this is not relevant. I will go to serve in their household once they get married.”

  “How come?”

  “Flavius asked his father to include me among the gif
ts for the wedding. This was the only condition under which he would accept the wedding.”

  “I understand; at least, there will be someone beautiful to please his lonely nights.”

  Saul goggled at him, shocked. “What do you mean?” he asked with a trembling voice.

  “Oh, please. Don’t tell me you are so naïve. A slave’s duty also includes pleasing his Master’s sexual desires, and this goes for both boys and girls. Don’t tell me that no one ever used you in that way,” he said, his tone cruel.

  Saul stared at him, feeling scared. He could not believe what he said because nothing like that had ever happened.

  “Master Marcus Tiberius would never do such a thing. Flavius never did anything like it either, with any of us,” he replied, offended, almost trying to ignore the nights he spent in his Master’s company.

  “Well, this means nothing. Flavius’ mother is a beautiful and sweet person; surely, Marcus Tiberius does not need a lover. However, Flavius will when he gets married to Claudia. You just be aware of that…slave,” he said, enjoying the frightened expression on Saul's face.

  “Caius!” the teacher thundered as he overheard part of the discussion.

  Caius jumped on his chair, becoming serious.

  “How dare you tease Saul like that? Is this the education I am inspiring in you? I am not only your teacher, but I am also your educator, and I am not tolerating this kind of behavior from my pupils. Apologize immediately to him.” He pulled Caius’ ear.

  “OW! Saul, please forgive me, OW! Let my ear go, please, I’m sorry,” he said, almost crying.

  Saul cringed, “I forgive you, Caius. You just wanted to tease me.”

  The teacher released Caius’ ear from his grip and slapped his head. “As usual, Antonius and Julius haven’t yet arrived. What should I do with them?” he asked as they both sauntered into the room.

  “We are terribly sorry. Here are dates for everyone. On our way to school, we waited for the merchant to open his shop. We can’t resist the sweetness of his dates,” Antonius said, laying down on a table a large bag.

  The teacher glared at them. “Then we should taste this delicacy and see if it is worth being late,” he said, almost making fun of them.

  Julius and Antonius gazed each other, feeling confident about the result. “You are right; these are the sweetest dates I’ve ever tasted,” the teacher admitted.

  “For today, you are forgiven but try not to be late anymore.”

  After school, Saul hurried home to help his Master. During his journey, as he thought about what Caius had said, worry inched into his mind. He knew that, in Rome, as much as in Greek culture, homosexuality was part of everyday life, but he never thought about the possibility of becoming Flavius’ lover. He remembered the kisses exchanged with Marcus Tiberius, and the nights erotically shared with him during his trips. However,

  he felt as if the eroticism they shared was completely different from complete sex.

  He realized that if he thought about being used sexually, it would feel more natural having sex with Marcus Tiberius than with Flavius. He could not explain why.

  Chapter 11.

  Being far from home was a relief for Flavius. He saw things from a different perspective and continued to think about Saul’s words. In time, they made more sense. He understood his jealousy better, as a sweet feeling of desiring somebody for himself only, and that somebody was Saul. He needed to own him exclusively, needed to be his sole Master without the clause in the wedding contract. However, he was conscious that the clause was meant to protect Saul’s future.

  As time passed, he realized that, with his uncle, he could develop the skills a husband, and particularly a good Master, should have.

  His uncle Titus was a General of the Roman army; he was wise, strong, and determined. As soon as he spoke to Flavius, he understood that the boy needed the guidance of a strong man. He needed the guidance of a man who, unlike his brother, would be able to transform the spoiled youth into a man.

  He agreed with Marcus Tiberius that he would teach Flavius how to rule over his slaves, governing them with justice, fairness and firmness, rewarding when deserved, and punishing when necessary.

  The death of his beloved wife a long time ago, left him without any descendants, and with an unbridgeable sense of emptiness.

  He preferred not to remarry. No woman would compare to her.

  After the last campaign, he had decided to take time to think about his future.

  He even entertained the idea of retiring from military service, living the time the gods allowed him in peace.

  “What makes you so thoughtful?” Titus asked as he approached Flavius in the garden.

  “Many things. Thank you for your hospitality and the effort you are putting into my education. If it hadn’t been for you and for Saul, I couldn’t understand how much I need to grow up. Without you, I would have continued to believe I was ready to face the world and that all the answers were in my hands. I was such a blind fool.”

  “I see you care a lot for that slave.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The name of your slave comes out at every sentence you speak. If what you say is true, he must be very wise. How old is he?”

  “He is thirteen years old.

  His uncle glared at him open-mouthed. “Are you telling me that a thirteen-year-old child can inspire so many weighty considerations in you? He is, indeed precious.”

  “My father thinks Saul was sent to us by the gods. Perhaps it is so, or possibly he is himself one.”

  His uncle shook his head, his forehead creased, and his eyes narrowed. “I don’t know anything about gods. What I can see has always been what I believe in, but your father might have a point. If this slave has been so important for you to see the path of your life, I’d like one day to meet him.”

  “You are always welcome in our house,” Flavius said.

  “Are you still concerned about getting married to Claudia?” Titus asked, teasing him.

  “No. I was childish.”

  “We all went through the same feelings. You are just a young boy who needs to grow into a man, and there are plenty of women to satisfy your curiosity before the wedding. Possibly your Saul will satisfy other curiosities after the wedding too,” Titus chuckled.

  Flavius’ lips curled amused at the thought, but that was not in his plans. He would have a beautiful wife. He saw Saul as his best friend rather than a possible candidate for lonely nights.

  “I know that you agreed to have me as a guest here for a month, but I would like to remain for a longer period. I think I need to be away from the privileged environment of my family, see the world from different perspectives before I can have my own opinions about it. As far as I can see, with you, I have this opportunity.”

  Uncle Titus nodded and put his hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “You can stay as long as you think necessary, and I will make sure that you experience life under all the aspects. You could stay until your service in the army starts. I will train you for that as well. I know you are going to be a lawyer, but you must be able to defend yourself and the people you care about the most.”

  “I will serve in the army in three years. Are you sure I can stay for such a long period?”

  “I would never have proposed that to you if it hadn’t been my intention.”

  Flavius smiled. He should have been under the tuition of his uncle a long time ago. He understood how different the brothers were and, in that difference, he could see his personal advantage one a man of the army, the other a man of business and politics.

  Both were extremely important, but he realized that if he could learn good life lessons from both, he would have gained an almost perfect education.

  School prepared him to become an expert lawyer. With the help of his uncle, he would learn the fine arts of war, learning those skills that make a man a hero. He would be able to become a good Master for his slaves. He would learn how to be a good husband for Claudia, capabl
e of molding her character to resemble the one of a woman rather than the one of a cruel barbarian.

  The extension of Flavius’ permanence at his uncle’s place was welcomed with relief by Marcus Tiberius.

  He knew how much his son needed to be away from the family to become a responsible adult, ready to face life. He also saw the effect on Saul. He focused more on his duties rather than his worries for his future Master and for his life.

  Watching Saul, busy with the translation and transcription of documents, moved him and smiled at the serene image of dedication.

  Saul felt Marcus Tiberius’ eyes on him. He raised his own and smiled back at him.

  He felt he needed his life to be just like that, working with and for his Master, feeling his presence near him, and forgetting about anything else.

  “What gives you that happy mood, Master?” he asked.

  Marcus Tiberius stood and walked to Saul, then gently laid his hands on his shoulders.

  “I was just looking at you, so taken by your duties. It was a lovely image I wish to keep it in my mind forever.”

  Saul felt flattered by his Master’s appreciation. “Then we wish for the same thing, Master.” He handed a sheaf of papers to him. “Here is your translation. I hope you will be satisfied with it.”

  Marcus Tiberius perused it, going through the entire text. “You did an excellent job.” He felt an inexplicable need to stop the marching of time and tried to add that day to his memories of other moments he felt good to be in Saul’s company. Only his presence could heal the sadness in his soul, and his smile was the cure for every pain in his heart.

  Needing to try to concentrate on other duties, he dismissed Saul, knowing that even with his slave out of the room, he would not stop thinking about it.

  Saul walked to the garden and sat on the grass in the shade of a mulberry tree, the same one, which had given him his first and only punishment, and soothed his soul on many occasions.